Bookings Closed: Please note that bookings for this Tour have been closed. Please get in touch with us if you have questions.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

A one-night/two-day intensive workshop focussed on the secrets of outstanding nature images

Two special boat rides and photography on land in Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Expert guidance from a Skipper on specific photography issues

Indoor discussions and presentations on natural history and photography

If you've mastered the basics, it's time to tame the advanced.
Want to learn to make a magical backlit image, nail a bird in flight or make that silhouette sing?

If you're consummate with the basics of photography, Toehold's Nature Photography Masterclass is the next step to visual excellence. And the perfect way of gaining a firm grip on the style of photography that excites you.

How is it?

Composed of a group of small islets in the Kaveri river, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Srirangapatna, near Mysore, is Karnataka's largest bird sanctuary and the perfect playground in which to hone your bird photography skills.

Known locally as a pakshi kashi ('bird paradise'), this precious avian hub is indeed a veritable terrestrial firmament, at least to the bird photographer. For although only a small part of its 67km2 area is open to tourism, the density of large and small birds it supports is outstanding. And that is bettered only by how tolerant the birds are of their ardent portrayers.

What you will see and photograph:

Days open with the persistent calls of pied wagtails, while to the chorus the stork-billed kingfisher may add its own considerable voice cutting through the mist.

As you're paddled along in a rowboat, painted storks and open-billed storks help you perfect shooting against the sky, night herons compel you to learn the art of circumventing clutter, pelicans diving for fish give plenty of work for your tele-lens, and great thick-knees kneel as easy targets to the shutter-happy, while a better place may hardly be envisaged to photograph the river tern.

Eurasian spoonbills get you thinking about composition and black-headed white ibises throw an exposure gauntlet, while on occasion a peacock in flight can take your breath away, a cattle egret in breeding plumage can alter your perspective of colour, pied kingfishers take their share of the viewership pie, and once every often, the excitement of seeing a lesser fish eagle perched high and mighty with all its grace and glory can cause a small quake in the boat.

PHOTOGRAPHY SKIPPER

Santosh Saligram

In the annals of contemporary wildlife photography, Santosh Saligram is a name of national repute. Particularly passionate about tigers, Santosh's style involves narrating a story in partnership with striking, evocative images designed to touch a chord with the viewer. His creations reveal an eye for composition, mastery of tools, dexterous use of light, and above all, a profound love and respect for his subjects, which, he says, are the raison d'être of his work.

Santosh has been richly recognised, most notably as winner of the NDTV Tiger Photo Contest in 2010, finalist in the same year at the world's most coveted competition - the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and recipient of several Special Mentions in the annual Sanctuary Asia Wildlife Photography competitions. His photos have adorned websites, magazines, books, calendars and other merchandise both commercially and in aid of conservation.

WHY GO ON A TOEHOLD PHOTO TOUR?

At Toehold, we are passionate about photography just as you are, which lets us understand your travails and needs perfectly. And we use this insight to specially design our Photography Tours so they give you a toehold to excel at the art and set you up for success.

The Toehold team at your disposal will keep you tuned and geared, so you come in empty-handed but go out with bagful of images and tales of an experience that is better lived than heard.

Specifically, you will get -

A clinically organized tour with utmost attention to your comfort and needs

An open, informal environment that promotes interactive learning

A team that will strategize and work to a plan to optimize opportunities and ensure a great tour

Practical, hands-on assistance in photography from the tour Skippers both in the field and off it

A wealth of subject matter knowledge

Individual interaction with the Skippers over general or specific issues

First-hand learning from the masters in the art and craft of photography

That's not all. When you're not out in the field using the camera, you will learn and enjoy our sessions on photography techniques, photograph reviews and presentations and discussions on topics relevant to the Photo Tour in question.

These exclusive, informative and interactive sessions are -

ChaayaaChitra (Photography Techniques, Tips, Tricks) - One of your Toehold Skippers will impart key practical knowledge on photography technique, post-processing essentials and related subjects and even the skills and techniques required for a particular form of photography or at a particular locale. This offers a great chance of understanding key aspects of technique and pick up useful tips that you can easily put into practice. We call this ChaayaChitra because it's all about photography.

ChitraTantra (Photo Principles, Reviews, Critique) - Your Toehold Skippers will critique images that can be nominated by tour participants, to enable discussion on how they could be improved. These impromptu discussions benefit everybody, since they are a great way of learning to see the advanced subtleties that make a significant difference, and master the artistic aspects of photography. We call this ChitraTantra as we delve deep into the good and not-so-good aspects of your results and discuss the attributes that can turn an ordinary picture into a special image.

Charchaaloka (Presentations, Lectures, Discussions) - One of your Toehold Skippers will deliver a talk on a subject of interest related to the tour/destination or novel sub-genres of photography. Depending on the kind of tour you are on, this presentation/talk should improve your subject matter expertise and enable you with ample knowledge of your subject, destination or form of photography you are expected to practice during this trip. This is akin to a surprise treasure-chest of fascinating knowledge on intriguing topics that will make your Photo Tour experience complete. We call this Charchaaloka as we expect everyone to participate in the discussion and presentation brainstorming ideas, issues, solutions and experiences.

TESTIMONIALS BY OUR PREVIOUS TOUR PARTICIPANTS

Photography enthusiasts who were a part of a similar Tour previously said:

I had a great time on the Toehold tour. They took care of all the logistics so all I had to do was enjoy myself! The evening sessions were great fun and I got to interact with a lot of like-minded people. I'm already planning for my next trip with Toehold!
- Ritwick Sharma, Mumbai

I had never been on a photography trip before and so was apprehensive that I would feel out of place among photographers but I was proven totally wrong. The 'Skippers' made me totally comfortable and helped me with the most basic of my camera settings with a lot of patience, and the sightings made the experience even better and totally worth it!
- Sonali Sinha, Delhi

Going on this Toehold tour has been the most enriching experience in recent times. The amount of learning about photography that's possible just being around these guys is amazing. The best part was getting assistance from the Skippers in the field, to make the most of the opportunities we had. I'd greatly recommend Toehold tours to someone looking for a productive way to spend a few days!
- Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Bangalore

I went on a tour with Toehold to a destination I was so familiar with but ended up learning a lot more things than I already knew. Great bunch of young pros.
- Gopal Basu, Kolkatta

My young boys learnt so much about photography and wildlife that the dining table is full of stories and technical jargons of photography.
- Suchitra K, Kolkatta

Toehold injects a lot of interest in youngsters about photography and natural history. Wish them all the best!
- Pradeep Kenchappa, Bengaluru

Please click on any thumbnail and use the left and right arrow keys to navigate between photos in the gallery.

Please note: This Tour begins at Ranganathittu at around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, 11 February 2017, and ends at Ranganthittu after breakfast on Sunday, 12 February. Road transfers to and from Ranganathittu will be arranged in shared cabs at extra actual cost if required. Please talk to us for special needs.

DAY 1 11 February 2017, Saturday: Arrival and Initial Foray

Workshop participants gather at 10:30 a.m at the lodge and after a brief rest, we gather for an introductory presentation.

Lunch will be followed by an interactive session on some key bird photography issues, before we travel to Ranganathittu for a field session. We enjoy a boat ride during which we seek to put some of the concepts we learned at the introductory session into practice, and hopefully enjoy a productive time with assistance from the mentor.

Upon our return we gather for a session we call ChitraTantra

ChitraTantra: Photo Principles, Reviews, Critique

, where we review images and share feedback, followed by dinner and shuteye.

DAY 2 12 February, Sunday: Morning photography in Ranganathittu and Departure in the Afternoon

Rising early, we head for Ranganathittu and enjoy another boat ride, making some evocative images in the atmospheric river and of course plenty of bird photographs. After hopefully a productive morning, we return to the lodge, breakfast, check out and return to Bangalore, having advanced our bird photography skills by a significant mile.

IndividualsINR 10,4505% GST Extra

Per Person on Twin Share Accommodation.

CouplesINR 19,9005% GST Extra

Per Couple on Twin Share Accommodation

Toehold PatronsINR 9,4505% GST Extra

Per Person on Twin Share Accommodation

Toehold Patrons: Customers who have participated in at least three previous Toehold Photo Tours

All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages (coffee and tea) for Workshop duration

All boat rides and entry fees

Exclusions

Travel between your home and Ranganathittu, including airfare and transfers

Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours, and extra meals ordered

Insurance, laundry and phone calls

Bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

Camera fees and vehicle parking fare

Tips and gratuities

Anything that is not included in the Inclusions list

All applicable taxes

Payment Terms

100% advance on confirmation of participation for the Workshop.

Cancellation Fees

25% on or before 27 January 2017

50% between 28 January and 3 February 2017

100% on or after 4 February 2017

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

Terms and Conditions

Participants who have a medical history of blood pressure, heart-related problems or asthma are advised to seek medical advice before enrolling for this Tour.

Fitness to complete the Tour is the only criterion for participation.

Toehold Travel & Photography Pvt Ltd. shall not be responsible for injuries, damages, or losses caused to any traveller in connection with terrorist activities, social or labour unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel partner's control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the Nature Photography Masterclass? How different is it from a classroom workshop?

Toehold's Nature Photography Masterclass is an advanced nature-photography workshop designed to help you master a specific genre or style of nature photography, such as bird photography. These workshops are held outdoors to enable you to try concepts firsthand in real situations and are mentored by professional photographers with years of experience in that genre. There will also be indoor sessions where concepts will be discussed and images will be reviewed.

Who should participate in this Masterclass? Are there any eligibility criteria?

Anybody interested in birds, wildlife and/or photography and is above the age of 18 (unless accompanied by an adult) can participate in this Masterclass. In order to benefit from this advanced workshop, knowledge of the basics of photography is necessary. If you are new to photography, we suggest you attend our Art and Science of Photography Workshop first to be able to understand and try the concepts discussed during the Photography Masterclass.

I am a newbie in nature photography. Am I eligible?

Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold's eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away!

Why aren't onward and return journeys included in the Tour itinerary?

Since some participants have their own cars, in which they like to drive to the venue, we cannot include the travel cost in the fee. However, we provide all requisite assistance with onward and return logistics at extra actual cost to ensure your transit is smooth.

By what mode will photography be done on this Tour?

Much of the photography will be done from a boat, although we may have a few opportunities to photograph on foot as well. Participants have to travel to the sanctuary from the resort on their own or in shared cars.

How sure are you about photographing birds on this Tour?

Considering the meticulous attention to timing we pay while scheduling Tours and Workshops and the local expertise we leverage, we believe that it would be extremely unfortunate if our sightings and photography were unsatisfactory. However, since we will be in an uncontrolled environment, we do not claim that sightings of specific species are guaranteed.

How different are your Photo Tours from ordinary tours?

Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven't experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Workshops are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focussed.

What equipment do you suggest on this Workshop?

Considering the nature of the subjects and shooting conditions expected on this Tour, a telephoto lens with a focal length of around 400mm is considered sufficient, with longer focal lengths being welcome. A wide-angle lens is recommended for scenic photographs and creative perspectives when opportunities emerge. A tripod or a monopod is not ideal strictly required, as hand-holding works best on the boat, but you may bring one along for the limited amount of land-based photography we may do.

I do not have requisite equipment. What do I do?

If you do not have appropriate equipment, there is no need to fret. Toehold offers an exhaustive array of cameras and lenses for hire, so you can always hire what you need. Click here to see what we offer. What's better, you can enjoy a 10% discount on all equipment hired on our Photography Masterclasses!